The Revolution in Military Affairs

This article contextualizes the idea of a “Revolution in Military Affairs” (RMA), exploring the impacts, limitations, and societal consequences of technological and organizational innovation within the military sphere. Using historical trends, it draws 12 conclusions analyzing transformational change in the way warfare is conducted and attempts to apply them to today’s world. Some of the concepts it references include speed of adaptation to new technology, the impermanence of decisive advantage, and the competitive need for countermeasures. He ultimately concludes that “weapons change; people and their motives do not” (Stephenson 45) and that uncertainty and confusion are cannot be entirely negated by new technology. Key words: Revolution in military affairs, military revolution, adaptability, decisive advantage, dominance, asymmetric growth, constraints, strategy, vision, “fog and friction”, “perfect situational awareness”, leadership, nature